REGIONAL TRAINING UNIT STAFF COLLEGE SURVEY RESULTS 1
REGIONAL TRAINING UNIT
STAFF COLLEGE SURVEY
RESULTS
MARCH 2009
1
REGIONAL TRAINING UNIT
STAFF COLLEGE SURVEY
MARCH 2009
Page
1. Introduction 3
2. Summary of Main Findings & Survey Results 6
2.1 Demographic information 6
2.2 Staff College Provision 8
2.3 Responsiveness and Reliability of the Staff College Staff and Associates 9
2.4 Accredited Course Provision 10
2.5 Overall Training Provision 12
2.6 The Management Resource Centre (MRC) 13
2.7 Key Features of the Staff College Provision 15
2.8 Survey Review 20
3. Strengths and Areas for Improvement 21
4. Appendices
Sample questionnaire
Staff College Survey Results by Graphs
1. Introduction1.1 Background
The first Regional Training Unit (RTU) Staff College Survey was carried out during
November/December 2008. This was the first Survey of this type to be commissioned by the RTU
Staff College. For this survey the sample was chosen from those members of staff from partner
organisations who had availed of Staff College Provision from January 2007 to October 2008 and
included those staff members who had participated in Staff College sponsored provision including:
Accredited Course Provision including ILM level 3 and level 5 and CMI level 7 programmes; An introduction to Competency Based Recruitment; Selection Interview Skills training for Board Officers; Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice; OLTE Programmes; ASPECT provision; Building Skills and Capabilities for Change.
The questionnaire was distributed by means of a postal questionnaire to 648 members of staff.
Research indicated that of the 648 staff members, more that 85 per cent had attended more than one
course provided by the RTU Staff College during the last 20 months. All recipients were asked to base
their responses to the survey on the most recent course attended. To ensure the independence of the
survey, the results were analysed by staff from the Central Management Support Unit, based in the
Southern Education and Library Board.
130 members of staff responded to the survey, which made the response rate a disappointing 20 per
cent. Of the 130 respondents 57 per cent (74) indicated that they had participated in accredited
programmes, 22 per cent (29) had attended the Building Skills and Capabilities for Change programme;
the remaining 21 per cent (27) respondents had attended other courses as outlined above.
3
1.2 Aims and objectives
The main objective of the survey was to assess current opinion regarding all aspects of Staff College
Provision and to assist the College in setting standards; developing performance information; assist
with future proofing and establishing baseline data in respect of continuous improvement in service
delivery, in relation to:
1. The tangible aspects of Staff College Provision including: - the quality of information contained
in the Prospectus/RTU Web Site; pre course information; quality of administrative
arrangements; quality of handouts; visual aids and the quality of the venues used and the
catering provided.
2. The Responsiveness and Reliability of the Staff College Staff and Associates including: - the
punctuality and dependability of course facilitators; the level of response by Staff College Staff
to telephone calls, e-mails and letters and the ability of course facilitators to put all participants
at ease during the learning experience.
3. Accredited Course Provision: - seeking feedback regarding the subjects studied and
applicability to present job; quality of facilitator’s knowledge in the subject area; the subjects
studied and their applicability to posts staff may wish to apply for in the future and the length of
time between completing the coursework and receiving the final result.
4. Overall Training Provision: - including the overall quality of provision, in particular the
relevance of the training material; the duration and frequency of courses; whether attendance
was a good use of time; and whether attendance has assisted in the development of leadership
capacity, managing and facilitating change, improving communication skills and managing
conflict.
5. The Management Resource Centre (MRC): - the inclusion of this section sought to determine
awareness of this resource and the extent of usage among those staff.
6. Elements of the survey were loosely based on the SERQUAL model (Parasuraman et. al., 1988)
which is a technique which can be used for performing a ‘gap analysis’ to improve service
4
quality in an organisation. The scale decomposes the notion of service quality into five
constructs as follows:
* Tangibles - physical facilities, equipment, staff, appearance, etc.
* Reliability - ability to perform service dependably and accurately
* Responsiveness - willingness to help and respond to customer need
* Assurance - ability of staff to inspire confidence and trust
* Empathy - the extent to which caring individualised service is given
For example:
1. The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately.
2. The appearance of the facilities used by the RTU Staff College, including venues, quality of food, handouts, equipment, personnel and communication materials such as the Prospectus and the RTU Web Site.
3. The RTU Staff College willingness to help candidates and provide a prompt service.
4. The knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College, staff, and their ability to convey trust and confidence.
5. The caring, individualised attention the RTU Staff College provides for its candidates.
Respondents were asked to rate which of the above factors, they considered to be the most and least
important.
7. In addition, respondents were provided with the opportunity in a ‘Survey Review’ Section to
comment on the survey methodology to help inform the structure, timing and content of future
Staff College Surveys.
At the end of the questionnaire, respondents were invited to make comment about any aspect of Staff
College provision. The responses comprised almost 1500 words. Examples of the comments, both
positive and negative, have been included in this report. The full results of the survey in graphical
format are presented in an appendix to this document.
5
2. Summary of main findings
2.1 Demographic information
2.1.1 The responses to the survey were from the following partner organisations:
Table 1
Frequency Percent BELB 29 22 CCEA 2 1 CCMS 9 7 CnaG 2 1 NEELB 31 24
NICIE 1 1SEELB 18 14
SELB 21 17 WELB 15 12
Other 2 1 Total 130 100
2.1.2 About 18% of staff who completed the survey indicated that they had been in post for over 26
years. The length of service for all respondents was:
Table 2Length of Time in Post
Frequency Percent 0-5 years 16 12 6-10 years 29 22 11-15 years 17 13 16-20 years 25 19 21-25 years 18 14 26 years+ 23 18 No reply 2 2 Total 130 100
6
2.1.3 The age breakdown of respondents was:
Table 3Age Profile
Frequency Percent 21-30 years 8 6 31-40 years 25 19 41-50 years 57 44 51 years+ 38 29 No Reply 2 2 Total 130 100
2.1.4 The results indicated a gender bias – over 60% of respondents were female.
Table 4
Gender
Frequency Percent Male 48 37 Female 82 63 Total 130 100
2.1.5 Most (96%) were employed on a full-time basis; 3% part-time and 1% indicated ‘other’.
Table 5Status
Frequency Percent Full Time 125 96 Part time <20 hrs per week 4 3 Other 1 1 Total 130 100
2.1.6 11% of respondents earned less than £20,000
60% earned more than £20,000 but less than £40,000
29% more than £40,000 per year
7
2.2 Staff College Provision
2.2.1 78% rated the quality of information about Staff College Provision in the RTU Prospectus as
excellent/good with 70% indicating that they believed the quality of information provided via
the Web Site to be excellent/good. With regard to accuracy, clarity and timeliness of course
joining instructions over 80% stated that they were excellent/good also. High ratings (>80%
excellent/good) were also received in respect of other tangible aspects of provision including:
quality of administrative arrangements; appropriateness of learning objectives; quality of
handouts and other materials and the quality of visual aids. 40% of respondents rated the
facilitators’ ability to engage with participants as excellent with 46% rating the knowledge of
the facilitators in the subject area also as excellent. The ratings in respect of venues used;
cleanliness and quality of the catering supplied were >95% positive satisfaction (excellent,
good, fair). Various comments were received in respect of this section of the survey. These
included:
Would welcome an email to all users letting us know that the booklet for forthcoming year is on internet for every one to access.
Presenters very knowledgeable and supportive. They provided support materials and face to face training which was most valuable. Keep doing what you do so well! Your tutors are excellent. (Level 7 CMI Dip Mgt)
Death by PowerPoint, too many handouts, not enough discussion. Quality of in-house staff excellent, some part-time staff poor. There is an issue of staff being
used who have always been used not because they are good enough. I felt that the information about applying and joining the course was very straightforward when
I applied, but was not so clear when a colleague was interested. The entry process had changed and was actually less complicated but we couldn’t find the relevant information in the prospectus or on-line.
Board officers should be made aware of courses available which may be of benefit. Excellent course, friendly staff, location good. Course worthwhile.
8
2.3 Responsiveness and Reliability of the Staff College Staff and Associates
2.3.1 The results from this section indicate a high level of satisfaction regarding aspects of reliability
and responsiveness of Staff College Professional Development Officers and Associates. This
included the punctuality and dependability of facilitators
(96% agreement) and their ability to behave with integrity, and display a commitment to their
work (92%).
2.3.2 Overall, the results highlight that course facilitators are polite, respectful and considerate,
successful in their role as trainers of adults and deliver the service in a professional manner. As
part of this section, respondents were asked to consider the provision of information concerning
how to contact facilitators and to comment on ‘ease of contact’ and responsiveness to: requests
for information; and to e-mails. The results in this area although still high (>65% agreement)
indicate that there are potentially some difficulties and highlight an area for improvement.
Comments received include: -
“Contacting personnel in RTU impossible, messages are never acted on and rarely is an e-mail replied to” (ILM level 3 Candidate)
“Staff sick leave was noticeable during my course and made the completion of the course more difficult” (ILM level 3 Candidate)
2.3.3 It is clear that a greater emphasis should be placed on raising awareness to candidates of the
availability of on-line materials from the RTU Web-Site including if applicable via
‘Blackboard’.
2.3.4 It is pleasing to observe that >90% of respondents agreed that course facilitators endeavour to
create a ‘safe’ learning environment, put candidates at ease and demonstrate consideration and
patience to all participants.
9
2.4 Accredited Provision
2.4.1 This section was completed by those candidates who had participated in one of the Accredited
Courses offered by the RTU (54% of the respondents):
ILM level 3 Award/Certificate; ILM level 5 Diploma CMI level 7 Executive Diploma
2.4.2 > 85% of respondents indicated that the subjects studied during the course were applicable to
their present job and that they were useful for posts which they may wish to apply for in the
future. The results indicate however that some candidates have experienced difficulty in using
work related examples for written assignments. High ratings (> 85% Excellent, Good, Fair)
were received in respect of the quality of facilitators knowledge in the given subject area,
achievement of course objectives and the quality of visual aids e.g. PowerPoint.
2.4.3 27% of respondents who had participated in an accredited programme rated the length of time
between completing the required coursework and discovering the final outcome (pass/fail/more
work to complete) as ‘poor’.
2.4.4 88% of respondents stated that it was important to them to complete a course which has been
externally verified by such bodies as the Chartered Management Institute CMI and the Institute
of Leadership and Management ILM.
2.4.5 During the completion period for the survey, those who had participated in accredited
programmes indicated that: -
8% did not complete the course, reasons given included:
o Job change and lack of commitment from trainer.o Due to personal family circumstances I was unable to complete ILM
course.o Very hectic workload at work so not able to take time-out to attend
course.
45% completed the course and submitted all necessary coursework
20% have completed the course but have not yet submitted all coursework, reasons given included:
10
o Difficult to fit write up of project into work time.o Job changed half way through the programme and I found it difficult to
get the time to complete assignmentso Too many other pressures both in work and outside. Hope to complete
last 2 assignments very soon.
For 27% of participants the course had not yet finished.
2.4.6 Participants were asked how their training need for participation in an accredited course of study was identified:
Table 6Identification of Training Needs
Frequency Per CentBy Line Manager 31 41Via Appraisal 20 26RTU Web-Site 5 6Other 19 25RTU Circular 1 2Total 76 100
These results indicate that the majority of training needs are identified with assistance from Line Managers.
2.4.7 Participants were asked to indicate how they found out about the course they participated in, the results indicated:
Table 7
Frequency Per CentRTU Prospectus 18 22RTU Information Session 3 4RTU Web-Site 1 1From Line Manager 20 26From Training Manager 13 17From RTU Staff 7 9From a Colleague 6 8More than one of the above
5 7
Other 4 6Total 77 100
The RTU Prospectus and Line Managers are key in informing potential candidates about accredited course provision.
11
2.5 Overall Provision
2.5.1 This section seeks to encompass the views of all respondents regardless of the course they
attended and relating to their ‘entire experience’ of the programme, hence the title ‘Overall
Training Provision’. Many of the results from this section have been reinforced by similar
questions asked in previous sections e.g.
Relevance of training material – 95% positive Use of ‘up to date’ materials – 90% positive Facilitators knowledge of subject matter – 98% positive Training venues used were fit for purpose 98% positive
2.5.2 A high proportion of respondents indicated that they have been able to apply the learning from
the course to their work (89%). 6% indicated that this was not the case. Reasons given for this
included:
Would have preferred to receive guidance or advice on how to deal with more down to earth issues e.g. legal issues, HR or problem solving.
Did not attend course long enough to apply to present post. Course content not relevant to specific work area. Too general. Although staff were
from same ‘business area’. Changed jobs – have not completed the course. Hope to do so as RPA situation clarifies. Often the course content was not applicable to my area of work, it was more business
related. I have been able to apply some aspects but not all.
2.5.3 78% indicated that would recommend the course to a colleague and indicated that their
attendance at the course was a good use of their time.
2.5.4 In line with recommendations form the Public Service Commission guidance in relation to
training for staff during a period of change, questions relating to the effectiveness of training in
respect of:
The development of leadership capacity Improvement of communication skills Improving skills in managing conflict and Enabling and facilitating change
were included. The responses were all positive with >70% in agreement. It is apparent
however, that further consideration must be give to the inclusion of these 4 elements when
12
designing and developing future courses prior to and during the establishment of the Education
and Skills Authority.
13
2.6 The Management Resource Centre
2.6.1 The Management Resource Centre (MRC) which is located at the RTU aims to provide all
education staff in Northern Ireland with the resources to support corporate and personal
management development. The MRC gives Province-wide support to all education staff by
providing access to published paper and electronic resources. The business of the Regional
Training Unit is offering high quality staff development, and the collection within the MRC
supports this. The collection is management based: management processes and theories, and
education management and theories.
2.6.2 The following range of services and materials are on offer:
Books, periodicals and audio-visual materials Access to online resources, and multi-media discs Study facilities with access to computers Information provision (either by telephone, e-mail or in person) Photocopying facilities at 10 pence per sheet (and done under rules of copyright) Requests for books and journal articles not currently in stock will be serviced through a
wide range of sources, including the British Library.
Staff may request and borrow books, use the library for studying, or use the librarian to source
information.
2.6.3 The results from the survey highlight that only 58% of respondents were aware of the materials
that are available at the MRC, only 31% had visited the MRC and 43% were aware of the
process to enable them to borrow/access resources. 15% of those who replied indicated that
they had borrowed resources from the MRC.
2.6.4 The results indicate that overall <20% of respondents have received assistance in respect of
research and have used the on-line facility at www.rtuni.org to search the MRC library. 72% of
respondents indicated that they ‘didn’t know’ whether the resources available in the MRC were
up to date and relevant for their course of study.
14
2.6.5 Almost all the respondents who have used the resources in the MRC have rated the quality,
range, of resources as excellent and good. An even higher proportion of those who have used
the resources have rated the quality of the advice and support provided by the MRC staff as
excellent and good.
2.6.6 It is apparent that there are many members of staff who choose not to avail of the resource. A
variety of reasons have been provided for this, including:
My course did not require use of the MRC as it was a practical rather than
academic course. However, I have visited the MRC in a professional capacity and been
involved in discussions with the manager;
Not needed – I use internet;
Haven’t found anything relevant;
Pressure of work;
Felt there was no requirement for the areas I was covering;
No time to go and look/borrow resources from MRC
Just have not considered it and the premises seem so far away. Out of sight out
of mind!
Unaware of process/materials available. May be of use to me but have never
used the MRC,
Not at this time but a facility I may use in the future,
Poor communication and advertising of MRC. This is the first I’ve heard of it,
Unable to visit on days of course & not easily accessible,
Tend to use internet or library service for material,
15
I just have not needed to obtain any material to date but am aware of this
resource.
RTU not easily accessible from Armagh. Also the handouts from facilitators
were excellent. I was also able to access material myself because I work in the Lib
Service.
The MRC has other staff located there but carrying out other RTU work.
Consequently there is little or no reading space to look through books before borrowing.
2.7 Key Features of the Staff College Provision
2.7.1 Section 6 of the survey required respondents to score out of 100 the following key features of
RTU provision (see Table 8 below). The feature which scored highest (based on average
scoring) and was rated the most important feature when respondents evaluated a
course/conference provided by the RTU was:
“The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately”
With a score of 28 out of a potential 100 points.
2.7.2 Using this approach, the feature which scored the least number of points was:
“The caring, individualised attention the RTU Staff College provides for its candidates”
With a score of 16 out of a potential 100 points.
2.7.3 The scores for the other features are outlined in Table 8 below.
Table 8
Number of Points
The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately.
28
The appearance of the facilities used by the RTU Staff College, including venues, quality of food, handouts, equipment, personnel and communication materials such as the Prospectus and the RTU Web Site.
19
The RTU Staff College willingness to help candidates and provide a prompt service.
19
16
The knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College staff, and their ability to convey trust and confidence.
18
The caring, individualised attention the RTU Staff College provides for its candidates.
16
Total 100 Points
2.7.4 To test the validity of this type of questioning, respondents were asked to indicate which of the
five elements was the most important. 61% of those who responded indicated that
“The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately”
was the most important.
Table 9
What feature among the five listed is the most important to you?
% RatingThe ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately.
61
The appearance of the facilities used by the RTU Staff College, including venues, quality of food, handouts, equipment, personnel and communication materials such as the Prospectus and the RTU Web Site.
12
The caring, individualised attention the RTU Staff College provides for its candidates.
11
The RTU Staff College willingness to help candidates and provide a prompt service.
9
The knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College staff, and their ability to convey trust and confidence.
7
17
2.7.5 The feature which was rated second most important with a score of 24% was:
“The knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College staff, and their ability to convey trust and confidence”
Table 10
Which feature is second most important?
% RatingThe knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College staff, and their ability to convey trust and confidence.
24
The RTU Staff College willingness to help candidates and provide a prompt service.
23
The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately.
21
The appearance of the facilities used by the RTU Staff College, including venues, quality of food, handouts, equipment, personnel and communication materials such as the Prospectus and the RTU Web Site.
19
The caring, individualised attention the RTU Staff College provides for its candidates.
13
18
2.7.6 The least important feature of RTU provision which respondents highlighted was:
“The appearance of the facilities used by the RTU Staff College, including venues, quality of food, handouts, equipment, personnel and communication materials such as the Prospectus and the RTU Web Site”
With a percentage rating of 45%
Table 11
Which feature is least important to you?
% RatingThe appearance of the facilities used by the RTU Staff College, including venues, quality of food, handouts, equipment, personnel and communication materials such as the Prospectus and the RTU Web Site.
45
The caring, individualised attention the RTU Staff College provides for its candidates.
36
The RTU Staff College willingness to help candidates and provide a prompt service.
7
The knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College staff, and their ability to convey trust and confidence.
7
The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service dependably and accurately.
5
2.7.7 Based on the SERVQUAL model the results indicate that the Staff College should emphasise
the following elements in this order:
1 Reliability - ability to perform service dependably and accurately
2 Assurance - ability of staff to inspire confidence and trust
3 Responsiveness - willingness to help and respond to customer need
4 Empathy - the extent to which caring individualised service is given
5 Tangibles - physical facilities, equipment, staff, appearance, etc.
5.7.8 These findings indicate that while all features of RTU Staff College provision are important to
all participants, it is crucial that a balance is achieved with regard to those aspects of service
19
delivery which are considered to be more important than others. Staff College should focus on
elements such as: “The ability of the RTU Staff College to perform the promised service
dependably and accurately” and “The knowledge and courtesy of the RTU Staff College staff
and their ability to convey trust and confidence to ensure maximum satisfaction with the service
provided”.
20
2.8 Survey Review
2.8.1 The creation of this inaugural survey provided an opportunity for this survey approach to be
reviewed. The results are very helpful and suggest that respondents consider that it would be
useful for Staff College to adopt a systematic and structured approached to consulting with
candidates as part of an overarching ‘evaluation’ process.
2.8.2 The results indicate that it took respondents 8 minutes on average, to complete the survey and
that 83% considered that its length and the time it took them to complete it was appropriate and
that the scope and range of issues covered was relevant.
2.8.3 92% of respondents indicated that they welcomed the opportunity to comment on the quality of
RTU Staff College Provision, while 90% believed that the questions asked and statements
contained in the survey are clear and unambiguous:
Survey has a great layout, very clear on first read – nice work; I know that individual courses have feedback but one issue with this survey for me was
judging my overall view. The generic answers provided have some interesting features behind them which I believe would allow you to better evaluate the source.
2.8.4 With regard to the four week period to complete and return the survey, 94% of respondents
considered that this was realistic.
2.8.5 >80% indicated that in the future the facility for completing the survey on-line should be
considered and that the survey is a useful instrument for assisting the Staff College to identify
strengths and areas for improvement.
2.8.6 A lower number of respondents considered (48%) that the survey should be carried out on a bi-
annual basis. 92% indicated that the results of the survey should be made available for all those
who participated, via the RTU Web-Site.
21
3. Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Background
Over the last 3 years the RTU Staff College has been operating within a context of change and
uncertainty. During that period there have been significant staffing changes e.g. the career break of the
Staff College Deputy Director, the retirement of one member of the Professional Development Team,
the long term absence of another member of the team and the subsequent appointment of new members
of staff. There have also been considerable changes to the course requirements of a number of the ILM
accredited programmes. This particular change has increased the number of pieces of work which
candidates need to complete to successfully achieve accreditation. It is against this backdrop that the
Staff College have been operating and against which the survey results relate.
The survey findings highlight a number of key strengths and areas for improvement for the RTU Staff
College. It is envisaged that the identification of such strengths and areas for improvement will provide
a platform for further improvement to what is already an excellent service, and will enable the Staff
College to successfully manage the challenges it may face in the future.
These include:
3.1 Strengths
3.1.2 High levels of satisfaction are evident with the quality of the provision of learning and
development opportunities offered by the Staff College. In particular, the commitment of
Professional Development Officers, their level of expertise and their ability to engage with
participants, while contributing positively to the creation of a ‘safe’ and constructive learning
environment.
3.1.3 The opportunity which is afforded, by the Staff College to Staff within the Education Sector to
achieve accredited professional qualifications, is highly valued. Much of the learning and
development from such provision has enabled current and past participants to bring added value
to their current job role and also acts as an enabler for them to apply for promotion
opportunities when they arise.
3.1.4 It is apparent that the range of specialist training which has been delivered over the last 2 years
to non-teaching staff has been well received. Examples of such specialist training includes: An
22
Introduction to Competency Based Interviewing; Project Management; Fraud Awareness; and
Investigative Practice.
3.1.5 The Management Resource Centre, located in the RTU is a valuable resource which enables
course participants to access up to date materials including journals to aid their course of study.
This service is highly valued by those staff that have made use of this facility.
3.1.6 The Staff College provides information and details of courses which are available, to potential
candidates on an annual basis, through the Staff College Prospectus. This information is
available in hard copy format, as well as electronically. Such information includes course
content, course duration and assignment requirements and it is clear that this document is used
by managers and staff to assist in the identification and to fulfil training needs.
3.1.7 The venues and their locations which have been used for courses are of a high standard and
provide an opportunity for candidates to learn in an environment remote from their normal
place of work.
3.2 Areas for Improvement
3.1.8 The Staff College has over a number of years developed procedures relating to Accredited
Course Provision. Evidence from the survey suggests that it may be useful to review the
current procedures to improve processes, and ensure a consistent approach for all participants at
course induction. Information provided at induction for candidates and their managers should
include course dates, venue, module title, assignment title (if applicable), date for submission of
assignment and timeframe for receiving feedback and/or result. Such an approach should assist
in reducing rates of those who fail to complete courses of study; ensure assignments are
completed, assessed, internally and externally verified within acceptable time limits; and
guarantee that all participants are fully aware of course requirements prior to commencement of
course.
3.1.9 The Management Resource Centre (MRC) is a valuable resource for all staff within the
Education Sector. It is apparent that this resource is not used to its full capacity. Consideration
should be given, in conjunction with partner bodies to the development of appropriate
promotional strategies to increase awareness and maximise use of this resource.
23
3.1.10 Feedback from the survey suggests that information provided in the RTU Prospectus is widely
used to inform the decision making process for both managers and staff regarding attendance at
courses and conferences organised by Staff College. The Staff College, in partnership with all
partner organisations should seek to develop innovative approaches to awareness raising and
communication to ensure that all staff are aware of all courses and conferences in a timely and
appropriate manner, to ensure optimal attendance and value. It may be beneficial to consider
advertising courses via ‘Intranet’ or via the use of e-mail alerts.
3.1.11 Course materials, handouts etc., are currently provided to candidates in ‘hard copy’ format.
Conscious of environmental issues and to ensure that available technology is fully exploited,
advantage may be gained in making course materials available for download via a secure site.
Greater use should also be made of on-line learning mechanisms such as ‘Blackboard’.
3.1.12 Evidence from the survey suggests that there are issues for Staff College ‘Customers’
concerning a perceived inconsistent approach to responses provided to written, electronic and
verbal enquiries. During the summer of 2008 a ‘mystery shopper’ exercise was carried out
which enabled the Staff College to develop acceptable standards of service concerning response
times. These standards, which are now available on the RTU Web Site, clearly state the
response times that customers can expect when contacting Staff College Staff. This information
will also be provided to course candidates at their induction. Staff College staff must ensure that
they comply with these standards at all times and make sure that the ‘out of office’ facility is
switched on when they are unavailable.
24